LMCs demand greater involvement in CCG decisions

LMCs demand greater involvement in CCG decisions

All CCGs must consult with LMCs on any decisions made that could affect providers of general practice, LMCs say.

In proposing the motion at yesterday’s (22 May) LMC Conference in Liverpool, Dr Peter Littlejohns, Chair of Hampshire and Isle of Wight LMC, said the move should be written into legislation as it is “unlikely” CCGs will volunteer LMC involvement.

He said LMC involvement would ensure the representative organisations remain “relevant” in the reforms and encouraged LMC members to take up the challenge of being “worthy” of being consulted by CCGs.

Members were unanimous in their decision to pass the motion.

The British Medical Association’s GP Committee has also been tasked to provide guidance to inform GPs on the consequences of not managing conflicts of interest correctly.

Dr Antony O’Brien of Deven LMC went further and said some GPs may just have to decide whether they are a commissioner or provider in order to avoid COIs.

Furthermore, LMC members also voted to oppose the controversial quality premium for CCGs – designed to reward CCGs for improving the quality of healthcare services – amid fears the incentive could undermine the doctor/patient relationship and widen health inequalities.

GPC negotiator Dr Chaand Nagpaul described the scheme as “immoral” in the face of funding cuts.